News Update: Australian Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and Employer Nomination Scheme

Update: Australian Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and Employer Nomination Scheme

Introduction: The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186), set to take effect from November 25, 2023, subject to the approval of regulation changes. These modifications aim to simplify the pathway to permanent residence for TSS visa holders and ensure that Australia continues to attract and retain skilled workers.

Removal of Application Limit:

The government plans to eliminate the cap on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that can be made within Australia.

This will apply to new TSS visa applications from November 25, 2023, onwards.

Implications for Current Visa Holders:

Those with visas expiring before the specified date will need to apply for a third short-term stream TSS visa from outside Australia.

Nomination Requirements:

Employers will be permitted to nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams.

The requirement for nominated occupations to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list will be removed. Instead, occupations must be listed in the ANZSCO, and nominees must continue working in their nominated occupation.

The period a TSS visa holder must work in their nominated position to be eligible for TRT stream nomination will be reduced to two out of the three years before nomination.

Visa Application Requirements:

Age exemptions will be updated for regional medical practitioners and high-income earners over 45, providing a two-year pathway to permanent residence.

Redundant COVID-19-related age exemptions will be discontinued.

OccuSearch: Crucial Tool for Migrants

OccuSearch serves as a vital resource for migrant foreign nationals looking to navigate Australia’s complex skilled migration program. By providing a comprehensive and up-to-date database of occupations in demand, it helps prospective migrants identify where their skills are needed and how they can fit into the Australian workforce. This tool simplifies the process of finding eligible occupations listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which is crucial for visa applications, especially for those seeking permanent residency under schemes like the TSS and ENS visas.

For migrants, OccuSearch is more than just a search tool; it’s a pathway planner that aligns their career aspirations with Australia’s economic needs. By leveraging this tool, migrants can make informed decisions about their immigration journey, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria and increasing their chances of a successful visa application. In essence, OccuSearch empowers foreign nationals with the knowledge to secure their future in Australia, contributing to a multicultural and skilled workforce that benefits the nation as a whole. DOWNLOAD APP; ANDROID | iOS

Conclusion: These changes represent the first phase in creating more equitable access to permanent residency for all TSS visa holders. They come as part of a broader reform of the skilled visa programmes, following the Government’s migration Strategy outline and the 2023 Migration System Review findings.